Premier League managers and head coaches discuss player welfare today.
Graham Potter said: “Traditionally, since I’ve played, we’ve played on the 26th and the 28th. I don’t think we’re playing any more games than that this year but what we’ve got this year is a pandemic which means the squads and players are even more under pressure. Already you’ve got an issue and then it’s compounded by a virus that is spreading through the population quite quickly. Then you’ve got the issues of isolation and trying to be fit. There is more and more pressure on the players, so in an ideal world we probably haven’t got the balance right. But we’re not in an ideal world.”
Potter has accepted the fact Albion’s appeal for a postponement versus Wolves was unsuccessful.
Graham Potter said: “We put the request in because we had consecutive days of Covid issues, but we had to play and you have to get on with it and deal with it. I think everyone is trying their best in very difficult circumstances. The way it is, sometimes it’s like a refereeing decision, it goes your way or it doesn’t. Everybody is doing their best. I don’t think anyone is acting without integrity, put it that way.”
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been clear in his criticism of the schedule.
Jurgen Klopp said: “I think it would be better with one game, absolutely, but obviously what I say is not too important. If there are two games then we will play two games. But it would be helpful if there was only one, true.”
